National Novel Writing Month is a time of complete writing abandon. The goal is to create a new novel of at least 50,000 words during the month of November. This is my fourth year to participate. To some, it seems counterproductive to just write quantity without writing quality. But I love it for the reasons listed below.

I'm a busy person and there are some things I just can't justify spending a lot of time on. But NaNoWriMo is my excuse to concentrate wholeheartedly on writing. It only happens once a year.

It wasn't until NaNoWriMo in 2009 that I actually FINISHED a complete novel. I was amazed I could do it. I had never completed an entire book before because I was too busy trying to make every word count--I was aiming for quality. I discovered getting the storyline on paper NaNo style--quantity--alllowed me to return to edit later. (I've now finished a novel in 2009, 2010, 2011, and I plan on finishing one for 2012)

My inner critic goes AWAY. Because I'm working for speed and word count, I'm not worried if there's a better word for "beautiful" or "happy"; I can improve those with the editing process. But during NaNoWriMo I get to write an entire story.

My self-discipline shines through. It is so much easier at the end of the day to relax by watching a movie or reading or just dinking around on the internet. But during NaNoWriMo, I sometimes set my alarm early and I'll skip the movie to write another 1000 words. It boosts self-esteem to know I can manage self-control.

My family, especially, will forgive me the time I spend in front of the computer writing. My friends are also supportive. Because NaNoWriMo is an organized group, I'm officially allowed to spend HOURS writing and ignoring most everything else.

Now if you'll please excuse me, I won't be editing this post because I really must get back to writing my fourth complete novel!

Marian, that's me!

I love stories! I love to read fairy tales, fables, stories from around the world. I especially love scifi and fantasy. And I like to write. And watch movies. And play board games. And do theatre things.